Cllr Shanika Mahendran

• 3rd Jul 2026
• Uncategorised

It is with deep sadness that the Cooperative Councils’ Innovation Network has learned of the passing of Cllr Shanika Mahendran following a short illness.

Aged just 28, Shanika had already made an extraordinary contribution to the city and community she loved. Since her election in 2022, she was an inspiring force for change in Milton Keynes, where she served as Cabinet Member for Planning & Placemaking, previously as Cabinet Member for Economy, Sustainability and Innovation.

Her impact was recognised well beyond Milton Keynes. In 2025, she was nominated for ‘Young Councillor of the Year’ and earlier this year was named among the Planner Magazines ‘Women of Influence 2026’.

Reflecting on Cllr Mahendran’s passing, CCIN Interim-Chair Cllr Paul Cassidy said:

“Shanika served as a valued member of CCIN’s Executive Oversight Committee for two years, during a significant period of change for our network. She brought insight, energy, and generosity to every discussion.

Her dedication to public service was evident to anyone who had the opportunity to work with her. She was deeply committed to serving the people of Milton Keynes and making a positive difference to the communities she represented.

Her commitment to cooperative values and her belief in communities shaping their own future were reflected in everything she did. Her loss is felt deeply across our network. We extend our heartfelt condolences to her family, friends, and to her colleagues in Milton Keynes Labour and Milton Keynes City Council.

Shanika’s leadership, kindness, and her determination to make the world a more cooperative place, will continue to inspire us. She will be greatly missed”